same as when

USAGE SUMMARY

"same as when" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is the same now as it was then. For example: Even after two years, the store's business model is the same as when it first opened.

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Same as 44.

EMBO Journal

It's the same as 212.

The Economist

Notes: Same as GSB640.

Stanford University

Same as 110.

Stanford University

Is 3sigma the same as 3*1sigma?

Harvard University

Same as 21F.701, but for graduate credit.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But that's the same as 15.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Same as 21F.302, but for graduate credit.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Ground is not the same as 0V.

The Circuit Designer's Companion

So w is the same as w^4, w^2 is the same as w^5.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

EE364a is the same as CME364a and CS334a.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "same as when" to clearly indicate that a current state or condition is unchanged from a past time. This emphasizes continuity and can be useful in descriptions, comparisons, and explanations where consistency matters.

Common error

Avoid using "same as when" if the comparison involves only a general similarity, not a precise equivalence in time. Instead, use phrases like "similar to" or "resembles" to indicate an approximate match without implying temporal identity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "same as when" functions as a comparative conjunction, linking a current state to a past state to emphasize their equivalence. It indicates that something remains unchanged since a specified time.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "same as when" is a grammatically sound comparative phrase used to denote that a present condition mirrors a past one. While grammatically correct, Ludwig found limited examples, indicating infrequent usage across various contexts. As a comparative conjunction, its primary function is to emphasize consistency over time. When precision matters, "same as when" can be a valuable tool. If you want to convey an approximate similarity, consider using alternatives like "similar to when".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identical to when

Emphasizes exact equivalence; stronger than "same as".

just like it was when

Adds a touch of emphasis and direct comparison to a past state.

no different from when

Highlights the lack of change, focusing on the absence of difference.

the same way as it was when

Specifies the manner or method is consistent over time.

as it was back when

Adds a nostalgic or retrospective tone, referring to a specific past period.

equivalent to how it was when

Focuses on the equivalence of a situation or state in the past.

consistent with its state when

Emphasizes consistency and stability over a period.

mirrors its condition when

Implies a reflection or close resemblance to a past state.

akin to its appearance when

Focuses on visual or observable similarities over time.

bears resemblance to when

Highlights shared characteristics or similarities with a past situation.

FAQs

How can I use "same as when" in a sentence?

Use "same as when" to compare a current situation with a past one, highlighting their similarity. For example: "The garden looks the same as when we first bought the house."

What phrases are similar to "same as when"?

Alternatives include "identical to when", "just like it was when", or "no different from when", which all emphasize a lack of change.

Is it correct to say "the same like when" instead of "same as when"?

While understandable, "the same like when" is less common and grammatically awkward. Stick with "same as when" for clarity and better adherence to standard English.

When is it better to use "similar to when" instead of "same as when"?

Use "similar to when" when you want to express a general resemblance rather than an exact match to a past situation. "Similar to when" implies approximation, whereas "same as when" denotes exact equivalence.